EANS-Adhoc: ams AG ams divests NFC and RFID reader product lines to increase
focus on sensor solutions retaining sensing-related wireless activities
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Disclosed inside information pursuant to article 17 Market Abuse Regulation
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Strategic management decisions
29.07.2016
Executing its sensor solutions strategy, ams divests NFC and RFID reader
wireless product lines to STMicroelectronics while retaining certain wireless
products and IP for next generation sensing
Premstaetten, Austria (29 July 2016) - ams (SIX: AMS), a leading worldwide
manufacturer of high performance sensor and analog solutions, has signed an
agreement to divest NFC and RFID reader IP, technologies and product lines to
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) for an up-front cash consideration of USD 79.3m
(approx. EUR 71.5m) plus a substantial deferred earn-out consideration
contingent on future results of up to USD 37 million. With this transaction, ams
takes another significant step on its path to being the leading provider of
sensor solutions worldwide. ams will retain its sensor-related NFC/RFID tags
business and relevant design capabilities to create wireless IoT sensor
solutions and support upcoming sensor nodes.
The transaction is part of ams' ongoing efforts to actively manage its portfolio
of technologies with a clear focus on implementing its sensor solutions
strategy. The divestment comprises ams' NFC assets, including NFC front-end and
antenna boost solutions, and integrated HF/UHF RFID reader assets. The related
design and marketing resources are mostly based in Premstaetten, Austria, and
Ljubljana, Slovenia, and include around 50 employees which will be transferred
to STMicroelectronics. ams will retain its NFC/RFID wireless tags business and
related IP and plans to create wireless sensor solutions for IoT applications
combining NFC and RFID connectivity interfaces with its portfolio of sensors.
The transaction is expected to close today as no regulatory approvals are
needed. ams expects to deconsolidate the business lines covered by the
transaction from 1 August 2016 onwards.
Alexander Everke, CEO of ams, commented on the transaction, "Divesting certain
RFID/NFC product lines streamlines our product and technology portfolio around
our core sensor solutions competence while maximizing the value of our high
performance wireless IP. We are dedicated to actively managing our technology
portfolio and focus on the most relevant opportunities driving our sensor
solutions strategy forward. This transaction is a next strategic step on our way
to make ams the world's leading provider of sensor solutions for all major end
markets."
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about ams
ams is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced sensor
solutions and analog ICs. Our mission is to shape the world with sensor
solutions by providing a seamless interface between humans and technology.
ams' high-performance analog products drive applications requiring extreme
precision, dynamic range, sensitivity, and ultra-low power consumption. Products
include sensors, sensor interfaces, power management, and wireless ICs for
consumer, communications, industrial, medical, and automotive markets.
With headquarters in Austria, ams employs over 2,100 people globally and serves
more than 8,000 customers worldwide. ams is listed on the SIX Swiss stock
exchange (ticker symbol: AMS). More information about ams can be found at
www.ams.com
Further inquiry note:
Moritz M. Gmeiner
Senior Director Investor Relations
Tel: +43 3136 500-31211
Fax: +43 3136 500-931211
Email: investor@ams.com
end of announcement euro adhoc
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issuer: ams AG
Tobelbader Strasse 30
A-8141 Premstaetten
phone: +43 3136 500-0
FAX: +43 3136 500-931211
mail: investor@ams.com
WWW: www.ams.com
sector: Technology
ISIN: AT0000A18XM4
indexes:
stockmarkets: official dealing: SIX Swiss Exchange
language: English